Nemo Tensor Extreme just destroyed Thermarest and Exped

[@garphykeks]

That was a belter Hardy.... Good to see you back. KTF🙏

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers . It’s such a pretty place to camp. All the best. Hardy

[@bjbeck11]

Had mine down in the high 30’s F a few weeks ago and stayed warm. Swapped it with my wife’s new Rapide SL one night and felt the cold coming through. The Extreme has become my go to regardless of temp. Best valve on the market too IMO. Great review, capture the scenery nicely - thx

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers. Really happy with the mat, I’ve been using mine this spring too. Hardy

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

I love my pump sack. Lo tech is the way. If I want jet noises I’ll go to an airport!😂😂😂 Think I may well get one of those mats. I’m defo a cold sleeper. Atb

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s brilliant for a cold sleeper. A game changer. Cheers. Hardy

[@Hengists_Wild_Camps]

Nice overview of the pad mate.👍

[@carljohnsonoutdoors]

Great video Hardy. Will definitely keep that in mind when looking for my next cold weather mat. I've recently bought myself a flextail pump after watching your videos - so much easier. Thanks for taking us along and the good honest review. All the best mate, Carl

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s superb mate, I liked it so much I bought the lightweight mummy version for bivvying. Can’t go wrong with those pumps, saves on faff when your at the end of a gruelling day. Cheers.

[@michelstronguin6974]

Great video, short and sweet! I was considering the Nemo Tensor Extreme but got pulled away due to ZenBivy new system. So I just got the ZenBivy UL system. The pad it comes with weighs 622 grams and the deep air dimples it has brings unmatched comfort, REI helix level comfort, only 200 grams less! The stuff sack it comes with is tiny and only weighs 30 grams yet it serves as the pump sack for both the pad and my 2 pillows. It fits the rubber nozzle of the Flextail pump which I need to pump up my pillows, so I leave the pump at home.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Just became aware zen bivvy, looks great. Cheers. Hardy

[@Notagain640]

Thr Exped pump sac is actually very good. Quicker than a flextail (I have one too), doesn't need charging, much quieter and can be used as a dry bag. The Nemo ones are crap though.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Yep, it’s as if it was a completely different design team. Shocking quality. Cheers . Hardy

[@thewhofan1964]

Had my Nemo Tensor for 3 years now and have just had to repair my first leak which was from a failed baffle weld. Too small to find in the field but glad it happened when I was at home and airing it out as it deflated in only a few hours.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

That’s good going for a mat. Cheers

[@davetootil6343]

Great review, what a spot!

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Yes it was!

[@grahamswildcamping]

I think I'm sold. When my Exped busts I'm going to seriously look at the Nemo. Thanks for the review. atb, Graham

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s brilliant mate, well worth the money especially if you’re far north. Cheers.

[@annacomer5931]

Great review Hardy

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

❤❤

[@jim-bob-outdoors]

I have the older one with a R 4.4 Never felt cold and always comfortable.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

My first Nemo mat.L, not disappointed. Cheers. Hardy

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Love my 4.2 Tensor , so comfy and toasty , that’s another level !! Nice one 👍👍

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s superb, comfort and heat. Cheers. Hardy

[@MePompledook]

Really like the look of that!

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers.

[@dangerpudge1922]

First off, nice video! We have a few pieces of the same gear for sure. Put that UCO candle lantern inside the tent and it'll eat condensation (particularly with you down by the river). My EXPED 7R is more comfortable. So is my Zenbivy Flex pad. All of my pads are L/W just because I like the extra room and the weight delta is so small as to not matter. It's odd I've heard that folks have a tough time packing their ECs away, but mine actually has plenty of room in the bag, even with the worthless pump sack. Maybe that's by virtue of the L/W size, though I initially did order a R/W size and didn't have issue with it either. I wonder if they changed the sizes at some point? Here's my assessment and points of consideration for this pad. I don't do Arctic camping. The lowest I would.notmally go camping here in CO would be higher than 15F. I'm a cold sleeper. I have not had extensive time on this pad but when I did, I was impressed. I have the L/W version, and at 6' as an active and side sleeper I found it to be plenty roomy. It is not as comfortable as either my EXPED 7R (king of comfort) or my new Zenbivy Flex but it is warmer than both and doesn't miss by much at all in the comfort department. Did I mention I was a cold sleeper? The last time I used it I coupled it with an Enlightened Equipment Revelation 40F/950fp in my X-Mid 2 (going solo) at over 8k' on an exposed outcropping with a constant 5-10mph breeze and gusts overnight which were around 15mph. Pitched on hard decomposed granite. I was able to comfortably go down to the mid 20s with the 40F Revelation and I attributed that to the pads ability to keep me warm. I moved to my Zenbivy 10F/800fp on my EXPED 7R to find the pad was slightly cooler, but that the quilt was warmer, as expected. The pad is incredibly small and light, particularly for its R-value. It is also quiet (I cannot abide a crinkly pad). The material is quite nice and durable. I have zero problems with horizontal baffles, though I find I'm not too picky about that in general. I have also used it with my 20F Revelation and my Zenbivy 10F. With the former I discovered some important behaviors which I think address concerns and some complaints. This pad works it's absolute best when nearly fully inflated and fully covered, and the latter is very important. Because there's no traditional air trap insulation the reflected heat from your body is 100% of what you get. Thermodynamics states that you can't make heat so 98Fishness (36.6Cishness for you non-Americans) is what you've got which is fine. But as this is purely reflected heat, if you have the top surface uncovered, that heat is wasted. If you have it covered, you'll benefit by having a more even heating reflected into your air trap insulation in your bag/quilt. It is for this reason I STRONGLY recommend a Zenbivy which will maximize the pad coverage, then a typical quilt (wide options will be better) and then sleeping bags though I suspect these will be the least ideal pairing. The heat you feel radiated is near immediate, but if you were in a bag and rolling you'd always roll into a spot that was un-warmed as it wasn't reflecting your direct body heat, and as you'd have compressed the insulation, you'd feel what would be perceived as cold spots. IMO this is an amazing pad but the physics of how it operates cannot be dismissed and if you don't capitalize on those behaviors you will not find its potential and will likely be disappointed. The Pump Sack: In a word: Idiotic. The idea of a pump sack is to open it to scoop ambient temp air without adding any moisture from your breath which would reduce thermal efficiency and cause reduced pressures as the pads atmosphere cools overnight. It also reduces bacteria AND the moisture which would cause the mylar layers to stick together. It has a smaller mouth, for some silly reason, which means it is ineffective at scooping air, and there are even instructions to fill it with your breath; clearly the pump sack designers and the pad designers were not on the same page and only one had any sort of understanding of physics. I use my Schnozzle pump sacks which fit adequately and unlike the Nemo pad can be used as a dry sack/pack liner, but even those are backups to using my Flextail pumps. Do with this information what you will.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Thank you. To be honest Ive only just become aware of the zenbivy and it does look a revelation. So much so that I ordered one. Yes does seem to be a problem with the small bag for the EC, wondered if its.a new thing. Nothing that can’t be easily fixed. Hardy

[@OutHereMontana]

Great review video! Thanks for stopping by mine. I'm a bit newer at all of this. But I do love this pad!! :)

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers. It’s is a great mat, best there is!

[@OutHereMontana]

Just to clarify my previous comment... I'm new to making youtube videos and reviews... I'm not new to hiking, backpacking, camping, etc. 😉

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@@OutHereMontana well for an early video it was very good quality and well worth a sub.

[@johnmcbrien6324]

Great review, i was looking at buying a new insulated sleeping mat, I'm not all that impressed with my sea to summit ether light extreme, for the same reason..it's a real pain to pack away, especially when im on the mountains in winter..it's a pain the arse & probably why i wont buy the nemo one..why they don't make the sacks bigger, I'll never know..thanks for the video

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s about half the pack size of the Etherlight. Some strange decisions making that bag so small, still a great mat though. Cheers

[@hooptroopers]

Hey Hardy, was considering getting the All Season version with the red underside. That can go down to R-value 5.4 at 580g. But maybe at winter it could get too cold still even though it's called All Season. This one seems to pack a little bigger and weigh a little more but will suffice for the rare occasion I would be potentially hiking in extreme temperatures. Which one would you pick? And BTW, is it possible a sleeping pad like this could even be too warm in hot climates? Cheers

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@@hooptroopers Hi, I’m speaking from a quilt users perspective and would go with the Extreme version. I’ve been using it this summer and I don’t find it too hot, but our temperatures have been unseasonably cold. I’m sure what ever one you go for you won’t be disappointed but for me (quit user) I wanted the warmest. Thanks for watching. Hardy

[@JBwhattodo]

Looks good but I do struggle with paying more for a mat than a tent! I know it’s vital to get a good nights kip but……..🤔🍄

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Yes, they aren’t cheap. Thanks for watching. Hardy

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Well it's been a while Hardy mate nice video I've been using there mats for year's love the mummy regular I really like the look of this one for my tent camping I use the pump sack provided to be honest 😊 atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Hey Jimmy, hope the axe wound is not too bad mate?

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

@@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks find out today if I need surgery it bloody hurt feels better today thanks Hardy 👍

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@LundysWildcampBushcraft shit mate, hope you got it on camera!

[@benhikescamps]

Might ask for one for my next birthday! Looks rather good Mr Tempest.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s a game changer mate, liked it so much I’ve bought the ultralight mummy version too. Cheers.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I bought a Nemo mat in 2018 having had exped’s and love it.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

They are certainly comfortable, thanks for watching. Hardy

[@TrevsOutdoorsandWellbeing]

Great video what quilt you using 😊

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Hi, I use the seas to summit ember 3 quilt. Great bit of kit that has a superb warmth to weight ratio. Cheers

[@madbrad5596]

Never used a nemo tensor sleeping pad yet, but the best sleeping pad ive used is the big agnes rapide sl. Its warm, ez to pack, light and it hugs you when your sleeping due to it higher sizeds. Having said that ill be needing a new one soon, so might be looking at this.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Do like the look of the rapide. Cheers.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Others complain about 1) temperature-rating, 2) thinness, 3) cold creeping in from the sides/top. Thermarest X-therm is said to remain as the uncontested thermal-rating. Exped's 7R is useless temperature-wise, but uses TPA instead of TPU and so is rated for more weight than most. Has the best side-rails too. Not sure Nemo's even in the running?

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Having owned all three I still rate the Nemo the best. The Thermarest’s warmth is totally negated by its obscene lack of comfort. The Nemo has the warmth and the comfort. With over 60 nights use so far, it’s got the longevity too.

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

Interesting mat Find my exped so comfortable so it’s risky to change Exped are quiet as well Also prefer a pump sack as it’s quiet and what’s the rush Need to try these mats first Cheers Adrian

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

I was quite dubious of the manufacturers claims on this one, but it really is a quantum leap . Looking forward to seeing what the other designers come up with to combat it…. Cheers. Hardy

[@DiabloOutdoors]

I really love NEMO, but I have to say the new Tensor Extreme has what could be a flaw. I'll explain... The whole performance of that mattress is based on something known for decades. It consists of 4 layers of mylar. Each separated by an air gap. Reflectix mentions that "gap" since decades on their product's package. Now, when rolled, those 4 layers are stuck together. It's only when inflated that they split. The problem is that weight can crush those layers into one only. In normal conditions, you never fully inflate your air mattress to the point you can't add anymore air. It has to have some slack. And when sleeping on it, it will stretch tight. It's called surface tension. But if you do this with the Tensor, it might not be a good thing causing two or three layers to stick together on one of the several pressure points caused by your body. Hips/butt being one of them. That's why it's better to fully inflate to the max the Tensor extreme even if less comfortable if you want the best insulation performance.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Thank you for your response. I have heard this but haven’t encountered it in my experience of the tensor. I have the xtherm nxt and previously owned an Exped. What I have encountered with the tensor is it’s warmer and comfier than both . Significantly so in my opinion.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

@@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks As said, it all depends on your weight, the position you sleep and how much you've inflated it.

[@BorderRambler]

Interesting Mr Hardy , but have I room for yet another mat 😂😂😂

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

This is the one to rule them all, really impressed with it. Heat and comfort.

[@malinorcutt1421]

Fold it in 3rds so width is narrower than depth of stuff sack then roll it up. Keep it straight when you do this and should fit fine

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers will give that a go. Very minor criticism and probably nit picking. Hardy

[@malinorcutt1421]

No problem! I should have also mentioned out the air valve on opposite side of where you start rolling it up too

[@jeromebullard6123]

What about sea to summit extreme?

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

The Sea to Summit extreme is very comfortable but over twice the packsize of the Nemo. It’s also not nearly as warm, I have a 4.2 r rated mat that feels warmer than the Extreme. Thanks for watching. Hardy

[@jeromebullard6123]

@@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks thanks! I just picked up the Nemo thanks to you! 😁

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@@jeromebullard6123 it’s brilliant, especially for a quilt user. Cheers

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Nice 👍

[@escapista-nh1xi]

What a place!!! 😍

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

It’s a stunning place indeed, hoping to revisit this weekend again. Many thanks. Hardy

[@edgarhoutman13]

Als je de pomp gebruikt om hem leeg te zuigen kun je hem zo opvouwen. Net zo makkelijk als opblazen. En daarna kun je hem in één keer opvouwen

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

goed idee bedankt

[@davidweidemann7275]

a fun video, thanks!

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers for watching. Atb. Hardy

[@craig3401]

That's a bold statement saying destroys thermarest given that a few reviews have said the mylar can stick together which makes it colder than the stated r value.ive no doubt it's comfortable but I'll stick with my thermarest

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

From my experience of Thermarest it’s just as prone to failure as the Nemo. Especially baffle failure. The Thermarest has never been the most comfortable in my opinion but always the warmest . Not anymore. Give it a try . I own a Thermarest and there is no comparison now. Im emboldened by experience and not hyperbole.

[@craig3401]

@@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks I agree with the baffles my Uber lite as had 1 go but the xtherm is solid and its super warm and reliable.i do think the Nemo will be comfier and I am looking at getting the tensor trail when my Uber gives up the ghost.but in extreme conditions i wouldnt trust the mylar for sticking together

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@craig3401 the Mylar on my Xlite nxt has actually split, good to their word though Thermarest will exchange it. I’ve been using the Nemo for a while now and no signs of the sticking issue, but if so Nemo’s customer care is good too.

[@craig3401]

@@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks that's good to know I wish all companies were like that 👍

[@bjbeck11]

Have had no issues with mine. Slept down in the upper 30’s F a few weeks ago and stayed warm.

[@invaderjoshua6280]

Considering this is an extreme artic / mountaineering pad I don’t actually think it’s that good. It all comes down to the material. It’s just unacceptable to me how thin Nemo makes this pad when they know the people who use this one use their gear in a life or death setting. I’m not saying they needed to be as thick as the exped dura 8r, but at least an 70d bottom and a 40d top would have been expected. 40d / 20d is just not gonna cut it for me. I wouldn’t trust my life on it with the history of their other pads popping.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

@@invaderjoshua6280 a valid point but I can only speak as I find . I’ve used this mat over 60 times and it’s showing no signs of wear. No punctures to report either. It has my faith now. Many thanks for watching. Hardy

[@arthurtudor7837]

Cool kit

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

😊

[@fraserconnell21]

Great review! P.s does Mrs tempest know how much it cost you? 😆👍🏼

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

No she doesn’t…. Shhhh! Lol

[@bernielamont825]

Thanks for the video, I purchased that same pad because I'm a cold sleeper. Haven't used it yet so I was curious as to how warm it would be in real conditions. Using it on the living room floor just doesn't really tell you a whole lot!

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

You won’t be disappointed. It’s superb. Cheers

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Just checked out Hengist_Wild_Camps (Steves) latest video and saw you both have a couple of nights wild camping. So now you have a new subscriber and of course a like to your video. Thankyou for sharing

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers mate, always good to have new people on the channel. Atb. Hardy

[@DanielOutdoors]

One piece of advice is to lay on the pad while you deflate it all

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Cheers , always a good idea. Thanks for watching. Hardy

[@peesua]

Most of these stuff sacs are completely unnecessary. Simply shove an elastic band around it instead and shove any items you want to keep dry in a dry bag or bivvy. There's no point wasting time trying to pack items into tiny bags while in the great outdoors. The time saved can be used to enjoy nature instead.

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

That’s a very good point and to be honest I was really nitpicking at this. It a superb mat, probably the best. Cheers. Hardy